Benefits of Tranquility


	Even though it is easily said that done, I strongly believe that individuals must try to take some time to relax. I found some interesting facts that would support the befinits of tranquility, which I will present to you on this page. “With so many things to do, it's easy to put off taking time to relax each day. But in doing so, you miss out on the health benefits of relaxation. Relaxation can improve how your body responds to stress by: (CNN, 2005, para. 4). Slowing your heart rate, meaning less work for your heart Keep in mind that the normal range of heart rate is between 60 - 100 beats per minute. However, during exercise, your heart rate may accelerate in order to deliver adequate oxygen and nutrients to working tissues (Tortora & Grabowski, 2003). Reducing blood pressure Normally, the blood pressure (BP) is 140/80 mmHg but it varies from person to person. BP is mainly the force in the arteries when the heart is pumping (AHA, 2007). So, when an individual is relaxed, the heart rate is also beating within the normal range. With high BP, on the other hand, it puts stress on the heart workload and creates unhealthy tissue growth (arethoma) and "the heart muscle tends to thicken, enlarge the walls and become weaker over time"; hence, it increases the risk of heart problems (Wikipedia, 2007, High Blood Pressure section, para. 2). And this is why it is imperative to take some time to relax. Slowing your breathing rate Normal breathing rate averanges 12 beats per minute (Tortora & Grabowski, 2003, p. 826). Did you know that "the heart pumps the same amount of blood to the lungs as to all the rest of the body"? (Tortora & Grabowski, 2003, p. 840). Yes, indeed. Note that the blood is the one that delivers oxygen to rest of our body. Reducing the need for oxygen Increasing blood flow to the major muscles Lessening muscle tension * All these positive effects of tranquility to the vital organs are intertwined together. * After practicing relaxation skills, you may experience the following benefits: Fewer symptoms of illness [i.e. headaches, nausea, diarrhea & pain] Few emotional responses [i.e. anger, crying, anxiety, apprehension & frustration] More energy Improved concentration Greater ability to handle problems More efficiency in daily activities (CNN, 2005, para. 4)